2027: There Is No Vacancy In Aso Rock, Says Akiolu

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu I, on Monday urged other presidential candidates to have a rethink about their ambitions, saying there is currently no vacancy in Aso Rock presidential villa for the next five years.

The frontline monarch stated this when Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Director- General, DG, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, paid a courtesy visit to his palace, saying the incumbent President Bola Tinubu, seeking reelection under the platform of All Progressives Congress, (APC), will emerge winner for excellent performance deserving a second term.

The visit was part of strategic political consultations with traditional and religious leaders across the country in a tactical grass root political campaign.

In his address, Sanwo-Olu, who led the delegation to the Oba’s Palace, after receiving the delegation at the airport before leading them on a courtesy visit, described the council as a team of experienced Nigerians comprising former Senate Presidents, governors, speakers and senior party leaders.

He said Lagos was a natural starting point for the council’s nationwide consultations, while acknowledging the role of traditional rulers in promoting peace, unity and national development.

Earlier, in his address, Yari, said the visit was to pay homage to the Oba and seek his royal blessing and support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He reflected on the origins of the ruling party’s coalition and praised the leadership and political resilience of presidential candidate Tinubu.

Highlighting Tinubu’s track record, Yari recalled his political battles as a former governor who rallied support against formidable opposition odds, laying the groundwork for the party’s eventual rise to national power.

He contrasted the current administration’s long-term economic vision with the 16-year governance record of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), urging party faithful and media representatives to focus on showcasing tangible achievements and policy solutions.

Yari stressed Tinubu’s capacity to address core national issues, including currency stabilization, economic inflation, and infrastructure development, despite limited national resources.

He underscored that the campaign’s priority is to deliver clear communication regarding plans for business growth, youth empowerment, and national security, expressing confidence in securing victory at the polls.

According to Yari, “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a foundational leader who has laid the foundation, who has done the structural work necessary for this country to develop—not just for the next 10 years, but as far as 25 years and 30 years.

“That we have a President who himself fought for democracy in general and supported him for eight years, but who himself is now on the throne as the Generalissimo of Nigerian politics, and we have evidence to show.”

Delivering a poignant address, Akiolu called on all Nigerians regardless of whether they follow Islam, Christianity, or traditional faiths to unite around values of honesty, hard work, deep critical thinking, and sincerity of purpose.

Akiolu, extending a warm welcome to political delegates and supporters, offered a firm endorsement of Tinubu’s presidential ambitions ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Speaking to visitors and press members at his palace, the monarch stressed the importance of unity, sincerity, and ethical leadership in Nigerian politics, dismissing political rivalries as mere temporary disagreements.

“Politicians don’t fight; they only disagree to agree later,” Oba Akiolu stated, calling for a peaceful and accessible electoral process for all citizens.

Reflecting on history, the traditional ruler highlighted his long-standing bond with Tinubu, tracing their relationship back to May 2003 when his nomination as Oba of Lagos was officially approved by the state government during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.

The monarch praised the progress made in Lagos State under consecutive administrations, citing the foundational contributions of former governors and praising the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for sustaining rapid infrastructural growth.

Oba Akiolu declared that there is “no vacancy in Aso Rock” for opposition candidates, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s political trajectory.

“Let me be honest with you: politicians don’t fight; they only disagree to agree later. That is the truth.

“That’s why I always say, ‘Kosi ba re e d’aso onino se o, ore e go se be ni’ (There is no fixed hostility in politics; yesterday’s adversary can become today’s ally). The same thing applied to Nnamdi Azikiwe.”

“You see, this journey you have embarked upon, Insha Allah, it shall be smooth, failure-free, and error-free. No hazardous errors.”

“One important thing that I know very well is that for the next four or five years, there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

However, the Oba issued a strong demand regarding national resource allocation, advocating for Lagos State to be officially granted special status.

He noted that Lagos continues to bear an overwhelming public and infrastructural burden as Nigeria’s commercial hub, welcoming millions of citizens daily without discrimination.

Sharing personal reflections on his career as a former Commissioner of Police, Akiolu stressed the values of integrity, deep reflection, and financial prudence.

He urged public officials and citizens alike to prioritize honesty, public service, and forward planning for future generations, assuring the visiting delegation of his continued prayers for peace and national development.

The monarch therefore urged the incoming administration to preserve the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers by ensuring Lagos receives dedicated federal support to sustain its rapid development.

The event concluded with prayers for divine guidance, good health, and national unity as Tinubu prepares to assume the presidency.